As we've written numerous times in the past few days, Star Wars Rebels is gearing up for what is looking to be a huge Season 2 finale. With the likes of Darth Vader, Ahsoka, and Darth Maul all expected to be heavily involved in the climax, the finale won't just be a big episode for the TV show, it will potentially have a huge impact on the wider Star Wars Canon. Despite the fact that we still have a ways to go, this week's episode, Shroud of Darkness, very much served to set up the events of the Season finale, but in doing so it successfully delivered one of the show's most fascinating entries to date.

Spoilers for Star Wars Rebels: Shroud of Darkness follow

Crammed into 22 minutes, Dave Filoni and his team successfully pulled off giving us an insight into the Force, references to the Knights of the Old Republic games, some serious character development, and a major twist to the origins of one of the show's most interesting characters. Most impressively, it did this without the episode ever feeling overstuffed, which is a testament to just how well this show's writing team has developed.

As Kanan and Ezra struggle to explain how Vader's Inquisitors are tracking them, they (along with Ahsoka) travel to the Jedi temple on Lothal in search of answers. It's clear that Kanan is struggling to come to terms with the fact that a clash with Darth Vader is inevitable, and as he enters the Jedi temple with Ezra in tow, we soon learn that he has doubts over his ability to train the young Jedi. During their time in the Jedi temple, all three of our heroes embark on a force-induced journey of self-discovery and enlightenment, each of which gave viewers some real insight into some major moments in the Star Wars timeline.

As the clip above shows, Kanan finds himself confronted by Jedi Temple Guards who warn him that the pull of the Dark Side may become too strong for Ezra to resist. Refusing to believe that Ezra must be destroyed, Kanan finds himself in a futile battle against an ever-increasing number of guards. But, with Kanan outnumbered and seemingly about to be destroyed, Rebels delivered a major plot twist for one of last season's biggest characters. The lead Temple Guard removes his mask to reveal the face of the Grand Inquisitor, informing that Kanan is now a Knight of the Jedi Order, just like he once was.

This was a pretty huge moment, not just because it gives more insight into the backstory of the Grand Inquisitor, but because it means Kanan will hopefully now have more belief in his abilities. One interesting point to note in this scene is the fact that Kanan ends up using a red-bladed lightsaber, which could point to his own struggles with the Dark Side.

Meanwhile, Ezra is in deep discussion with Yoda, who in his usual mysterious way, warns the young Jedi of the dangers that lay ahead. In doing so, Yoda admits that he was afraid during the events of the Clone Wars, and it was that fear that blinded him and the rest of the Jedi Order to the terrible events of Order 66. This in itself was a stunning admission, but it was Yoda's advice on how to deal with the threat of Vader that would have sent Star Wars fans into a frenzy. As Ezra's asks Yoda if they can be victorious in their quest against the Dark Side, Yoda urges the young Jedi to "Find Malachor".

For those who don't know, Malachor V was a major planet in the second Knights of the Old Republic game and has strong ties to the Sith. It now seems likely that the Sith temple seen in the midseason trailer will be based on Malachor, which for those who are desperate to see more KOTOR lore become canon again, is a pretty huge deal.

Elsewhere, Ahsoka is wrestling with her own demons, namely her unfinished business with Anakin Skywalker. As she meditates, Ahsoka sees visions of Anakin (once again voiced by Matt Lanter), who begs her to tell him why she abandoned him in his time of need. It's clear Ahsoka feels that Anakin's descent into the Dark Side is partly her fault, but it also seems that this was the moment she finally comes to terms with exactly who her ex-Master has become.

This was a huge episode on all fronts. Rebels has succeeded in laying the foundations for its two-part finale while still keeping us guessing about its outcome. I, like many other fans, had been desperate to see Rebels make a deeper connection to the wider canon, and Shroud of Darkness more than gave us what we were looking for.

Star Wars Rebels: Shroud of Darkness airs on Disney XD tonight at 9/8c and is available to stream on Watchdisneyxd.go.com now.